Stepson charged with Lowell woman's death

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — The adult stepson of a Lowell woman found dead in her apartment by firefighters responding to reports of smoke coming from her apartment has pleaded not guilty to killing her.

Jorge Aponte pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges including murder and armed robbery in connection with the March 9 death of Angela Aponte.

The state medical examiner determined that the 60-year-old woman suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck, bruising on her neck consistent with choking and a broken rib. Her 32-inch television and cellphone were missing.

Prosecutors say 47-year-old Jorge Aponte tried to sell them.

He was ordered held without bail.

The Sun of Lowell (http://bit.ly/13DrPCU ) reports that his defense attorney reserved her bail argument pending a probable-cause hearing on April 26.